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Unifor president to make budget submission

OTTAWA, Feb. 18, 2016 /CNW/ - Unifor National President Jerry Dias will appear before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance on Friday to make Unifor's recommendations for the upcoming federal budget, including ways to stimulate both the economy and job growth.

"Last fall, Canadians voted for a government that would play an active role in stimulating the economy to provide opportunities for working families and future generations," Dias said.

"This budget will be the new government's chance to show it meant what it promised."

Unifor has been a strong proponent of increased infrastructure funding to stimulate the economy, as well as calling for the federal government to play an active role in attracting manufacturing investment to the country.

"The former Harper government allowed more than 450,000 good manufacturing jobs to leave the country. With a new government, we have a chance to ensure the sector's continued prosperity in Canada," Dias said.

Dias will bring specific proposals to the committee for achieving that goal. Key to any such an effort will be a cautious approach to trade agreements, including the Trans Pacific Partnership, to ensure increased opportunities for Canadians, Dias said.

As well, Unifor has long been a strong supporter of expanding the Canada Pension Plan, and improved social programs such as health care an education.

Dias will be joined at the presentation by Unifor Economist Jordan Brennan. Both will be available for comment.

What: Unifor presentation to House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance

A copy of Unifor's submission will be available after the presentation.

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing more than 310,000 workers. It was formed Labour Day weekend 2013 when the Canadian Auto Workers and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers union merged.

SOURCE Unifor

For further information: Unifor Communications National Representative Stuart Laidlaw at Stuart.Laidlaw@Unifor.org or (cell) 647-385-4054.